Roger E. Kelley, 84, Columbia City, passed away at 2:08 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016 at Miller’s Merry Manor, Columbia City.

Born Aug. 16, 1932 in Churubusco, he was the son of Harry A and Lillie (Phillips) Kelley.

He graduated from Churubusco High School with the Class of 1950 and went on to serve in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Roger married Rosalie Jo-Ann Bair Nov. 24, 1956. He had been a body repairman, working at Fort Wayne Leasing, Ryder Trucking, Buchannan and retired from Trier Automotive in 1994. He was a faithful member of Church of the Nazarene in Columbia City where he sang in the choir and played the guitar and organ. He also had been a member of the Lions Club and Optimist Club.

Survivors include his daughters: Julie Kelley and Kimberly (Kevin) Paunovich, both of Columbia City; brothers: Leonard (Melinda) Kelley, Bloomington; Harold Kelley, Cape Coral, Fla.;  and Roy (Joretta) Kelley, Leighigh, Fla.; sisters: Agnes Hull, Sharon (Dean) Growcock, Wanda (Gene) Herendeen, all of Columbia City; granddaughter, Katie (Matt) Gilbert, Columbia City; great grandsons, Bredyn Gilbert and Mason Gilbert.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Rosalie Jo-Ann Kelley; daughter, Amy Jo Kelley; brother, Harry Kelley; and sister, Phyllis Hoopingardner.

Visitation is 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral home with Pastor Thomas Beers officiating. Burial will follow at St. Matthew’s Cemetery with military honors rendered by Whitley County Korean War Veteran’s Honor Guard.

Memorial gifts may be given in his memory to Church of the Nazarene, Parkview Whitley Home Health Care and Hospice or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.